I started to describe Jack Binion’s Steak, in the Horseshoe Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss., as a meat lover’s paradise, but stopped short when I realized, EVERYTHING at Jack Binion’s is delicious, well-prepared and exquisitely presented.
Jack Binion’s Steak in the Horseshoe Casino, Tunica, Miss.
Located in the heart of the Horseshoe casino, Jack Binion’s has an Old Las Vegas-style décor – Tufted red-leather booths, red or white leather seating around rich mahogany–colored round tables, crown molded recessed ceiling squares with spoked chandeliers of contemporary lighting, and a long bar with leather chairs.
We had an opportunity to try a broad sampling of appetizers, sides and desserts and tasted each other’s main courses. Everything was delicious and ample.
We also were treated to a dining experience in Jack Binion’s private dining room. This low-lit private room is in the far reaches of the basement. No elegant entry. You walk down the concrete back stairs, past the freight lift, around the kitchen and through a door to this well-tucked-away sanctuary. Quiet, private and distinctive, one wall has built-in wine racks and a wine cooler, another is covered in a collage of wine-case-wood-panels, the third has a built in buffet cabinet, and under our feet, cork floor. Tall leather seats surrounded our massive table, although, I understand, the table can be split for seating of four or less at several tables.
I loved our big table and sink-into seats.
Shrimp appetizer
Among the appetizers, we had lump crab meat and cold jumbo shrimp and jumbo lump crab cake with classic remoulade and fresh citrus relish. We also had the most delightful smoked duck, and tasty seared giant scallops.
Binion’s flight
Our main dishes were fantastic. I had Binion’s signature flight — a petite filet with asparagus, beef short rib with garlic mashed potatoes and a flat-iron steak with cipollini onions. All were amazing.
Three at the table, (one and two who shared) ordered the Tomahawk rib-eye steak. Weighing in at 24 ounces, the Tomahawk is enormous. As the name implies, it’s bone-in, which gives it a carnivorous ax look. All that’s missing is Fred Flintstone’s ‘yabadabadoo!’ Those who had it, loved it.
Tomahawk Steak
Our resident pescatarian, the lovely Elisa, ordered one of the fish dishes – I don’t remember if it was the grilled Atlantic salmon with mushroom risotto, lemon capers, crispy onion and butter sauce OR the pan-seared grouper with coconut jasmine rice and tropical fruit salsa, but she also gave rave reviews of her entrée.
Among our sides, we tried the creamed spinach, asparagus, corn pudding and scalloped potato gratin. I could have had just a bit of each as my entrée and been satisfied. They were that good.
And if all of that wasn’t enough, we had strong pressed coffee with a few shared desserts – the crème brulee taster – about a 2-3 tablespoon sampler each of coconut, mocha, chocolate and saffron brulees (minus the burnt sugar crust – my only disappointment!), tall chocolate cake
slice with berries, a giant slice of carrot cake, and my favorite, Binion’s signature bread pudding with brandied pecans and hot crème anglaise. Heavenly.
Dessert!
A definite people pleaser, dinner at Binion’s is well worth the visit. It is on the pricey side, with dinner menu entrees averaging around $35 and everything else a la carte, ranging from $8 to 10 for desserts, sides, soups and salads, and $14 to 17 for starters. Total Rewards members receive $2 discount pricing on each of the entrees. The evening Lounge menu and Friday through Sunday Lunch also has a nice selection of tastes and fancy small plates, all priced from $8 to $16.
For more information, visit horseshoetunica.com and click on ‘restaurants’
